Coffee Connections- Ashley

For myself, coffee has been a source of comfort. When I first moved to the United Kingdom I was alone in a foreign city. I knew no one and found myself craving companionship. Through exploring the local coffee and tea shops I built a life within the UK. I wondered if others felt the same way about coffee...

Each month I will feature someone I have met along my journey and their personal experience with coffee.

This month my connection is with my housemate and high school friend, Ashley.

Q. Name?

Ashley Aguirre

Q. Favorite Coffee Shop and why?

My favorite coffee shop is Starbucks. Hahaha.

Just kidding!

My favorite coffee shop, at the moment, is Bear Coast Coffee. I find myself there at least once a week to enjoy a lavender caramel latte on their patio. The chatter of the passerby, their selection of dance-worthy music, the sound of the passing train, and the view of the ocean bring me back again and again. In a close second would be Philz. I have only been there once, at their location in Huntington Beach, but their incredibly unique and refreshing Mint Mocha Mojita has been on my mind ever since. I have truly never experienced anything like it, and will be making the drive again just for another taste.

Q. What is it about coffee you like?

I like coffee because it is an everyday communion. If you look up the definition of “communion,” you’ll find: communion is the sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially when the exchange is on a mental or spiritual level. Think about that for a second…in the morning, at least for me, that first cup of coffee is sacred. That communion for me is usually with my Higher Power. Often, my first cup is at an AA meeting, in the office, and on those few off days, right after I’ve slept in

. But no matter where I am, it brings me a sense of comfort and motivation. It is a moment to pause, reflect, enjoy and prepare. On a work day, it might be the only chance I have for meditation or prayer. Then there is the coffee shared with family, friends, and people we are getting to know. Many of our most intimate moments, our greatest conversations, our most brilliant ideas, have occurred over the communion of coffee.

Q. What are you recovering from?

I am recovering from alcoholism. I really appreciate that word because it hosts all of my other disorders as well. I have PTSD from sexual abuse, signs of depersonalization disorder, an eating disorder, codependency issues, extreme social anxiety, and an addiction to any mind-altering substance. I am happy to say that working the Twelve Steps with my sponsor has helped me address and cope with all of these issues.

Q. What role does coffee play in your recovery?

I have coffee every time I go to my sponsor’s house, in meetings, and in church.